Hello, Fbones:

The neck and the chin are especially a problem in the beginning. For many, the hair just under the jaw grows east-west or west-east. The chin's typography is complicated with many hills and valleys. All this means trouble. Time and experience will take care of this, though not completely for some of us, in which group I include myself. My neck is a maze of stubble.

Here are some suggestions for the neck area:

1. The tugging on the neck in all likelihood is caused by razor angle and stretching, since you say your razor is shave ready. I assume your preparation is quite good. Also, the stubble is probably multi-directional. The general rule for the razor angle is 30 degrees. General rule, mind you, because the angles can vary in different parts of your face. For now, do just a north to south pass on the neck until you really are fully comfortable holding the razor against the neck, and also until you learn the pattern in which the hairs grow. Stretch your skin in such a way that the action lifts the hair in the path of the razor. In parts, stretch the skin between thumb and forefinger. You need to play with skin-stretching in this area to help you guide the razor. Perhaps, too, flatten the razor angle a little more to make the razor less aggressive.

2. The chin requires a great deal of maneuvering and creative stretching, in addition to making faces at yourself. Stretch the chin between forefinger and the thumb; then in other creative ways. You'll get it.

3. Remember this important point: keep the pressure light by just relying on the weight of the razor.

4. Don't let all this discourage you. Time and practice will sharpen your skill.

Regards,
Obie